At the THQ Gamers' Day event yesterday in Los Angeles, representatives of the publisher announced the lead voice actor for The Punisher. Thomas Jane will provide the voice for--but not the likeness for--the black-clad antihero. Since Jane also played the lead role in the Punisher film, his casting in the game would seem natural. However, given the critically lambasted film's disappointing box-office results--a mere $33.7 million to date--the choice surprised some.

Based on the popular Marvel comic of the same name, The Punisher will chronicle the exploits of the titular vigilante. Unlike most superheroes, who have a gentler brand of justice, the Punisher lives up to his namesake, dispatching lowlifes in the most brutal of fashions. When it is released for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 later this year, the Volition-developed game will show his merciless work in all its gory glory. For a taste of what's in store, peruse our latest preview.